Mexico vs Wales
It’s three weeks until Mexico kick off their FIFA World Cup 2018 adventure with an opener against the world champions.
Before the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow hosts their clash with Germany in the World Cup 2018 group stage, there is a warm-up to negotiate—beginning against the Welsh in the Rose Bowl in California.
That is followed by clashes with Scotland and Denmark as Juan Carlos Osorio finalises who will be in his first starting line-up on June 17.
Will they make short work of an under-strength Welsh visitors?
Talking Points
The main question being asked is: how far can Mexico progress over the next month?
They cruised through their World Cup qualifying games but desperately want to improve on their showing in the World Cup where they made it through the group stages in the past six editions before being knocked out in the last 16—sometimes with little luck.
For example, four years ago, a dubiously awarded Dutch penalty ended their hopes.
Since qualifying, there have been reasons to be optimistic, not least a 3-0 home success over Iceland in March and a 3-3 draw with a strong Belgium side in which youngster Hirving Lozano scored twice.
El Tri have won six of the past seven matches and will want to go into the match with Germany, who beat them 4-1 in last summer’s Confederations Cup semi-finals, full of confidence.
A crowd of more than 70,000 is expected to see the likes of Javier Hernandez—underused and played out of position during a frustrating season at West Ham—and Rafa Marquez lead one of the best sides the country has probably ever had.
Hector Moreno, Carlos Vela and Giovanni dos Santos are among the other lauded talents Osorio has had at his disposal.
After reading a chapter about Sir Alex Ferguson employing a ‘sleep coach’ to his staff, Osorio now plans to take one to Russia and is keen to impress amid speculation this could be his swansong.
Talking of Ferguson, there is a Manchester United link as club legend Ryan Giggs eases into his first managerial appointment.
This will be his third game as Wales manager after a debut blitzing of China was closely followed by a narrow defeat to Uruguay.
Coming at the end of a long season, this is not only a long trip but also one that has been made without several key figures.
Star man Gareth Bale, described by Giggs as his country’s greatest ever player, will naturally be missing, just days after his wonder goal won the Champions League for Real Madrid.
Also among those absent are Joe Allen, James Chester and Aston Villa left-back Neil Taylor (injury), so this is a youthful group Giggs has brought to America.
It will help him see whether there is strength in depth for the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign which begins in September.
For an experimental squad, this is the ideal chance to shine for a country still reeling from failing to qualify for this summer’s spectacle in Russia.
There are eight uncapped players who have been called up, and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsay will bring some expertise after he was recalled after missing the China Cup campaign in March.
Can he deliver for Wales or can one of the young bucks make their mark?
After watching the audacious Bale in the Champions League Final, there can be no better inspiration.
History
Wales have never defeated Mexico.
They have only met three times in history, the first was a 1-1 draw at the 1958 World Cup, the last time the Welsh made the tournament and even reached the quarter-finals.
Since then, Mexico have triumphed in two other friendlies: in 1962 and most recently, in 2012 when goals from Aldo de Nigris sealed a 2-0 victory in what was the first match in charge for Giggs’ predecessor, Chris Coleman.
What are the odds?
With Mexico winning six of their last seven at home and Wales losing six of their most recent seven away matches, the betting odds point to a home win.
Asian Handicap betting offer Mexico -1.00 @ 2.07 and Wales +0.75 @ 2.23.
For the hosts to be leading at half-time and winning the match, you should look at Mexico First Half 1X2 @ 2.16 and 1X2 @ 1.56.
That is in contrast to Wales who are priced at First Half 1X2 @ 5.80 and 1X2 @ 6.20.
If it’s going to be a stalemate or very low scoring, how about Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.48, Under 2.25 goal @ 1.87 or goals galore, Total Goal 4-6 @ 4.40?
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